Neb. elderly care services bill approved over veto

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A bill that would provide millions of dollars in federal and state funding to help elderly Nebraskans stay in their homes has won approval from lawmakers, despite a veto.

Lawmakers overrode Governor Dave Heineman's veto on Thursday with the minimum 30 votes required. The proposal would direct Nebraska to apply for a federal grant that would help pay for in-home services. Nebraska would spend an estimated $8.2 million over the next two years, while the federal government would provide $36.4 million.

Senator Kate Bolz of Lincoln says her measure would help keep more of Nebraska's aging population out of nursing homes, which ends up being more expensive.

Heineman argued that while the idea is laudable, more of the cost will eventually shift to the state.

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